65 Spring 2014

Cozy Carmel

By Andrea Stuart | Photos by Manny Espinoza To some people, Carmel is a fairytale town set amongst a Shakespearean backdrop, a corner of the world where nature and grandeur engage in a delicate dance of escapism. For others, Carmel is all of this, plus, a reminder that where you make your life can inevitably define it. Here, we offer some unique laws that have put Carmel on the map. We also offer a couple of stories from Monterey Peninsula residents, who share what enchanted them about the area.

On the Books - Unique Laws of Carmel High Heels Carmel is an urbanized forest, the definition of which is a town or city where buildings and streets are built around the natural landscape. One benefit is that it inspires interesting architecture. In settings like this, sidewalks meander and street textures are uneven or rutted. Therefore, accessories such as highheeled shoes pose a walking risk to pedestrians. Urban legend states that by putting in place a requirement for a high heels permit, it reduces city liability.

According to Carmel Mayor Jason Burnett, the origins and authenticity of this law are questionable, and he can’t recall the last time it was enforced. However, he admits it has charm. “It’s really more of a novelty for visitors. People really do apply for the permit, even if just to show their friends when they return home.”

Ice Cream Perhaps there’s nothing quainter than the idea of walking down a small town street on a warm spring day, weaving between cottage style homes and businesses, lapping up the sweet nectar dripping from an ice cream cone. And yet, until about 1986, when Clint Eastwood became mayor of Carmel, the sale and consumption of ice cream on public streets was technically prohibited. Another law that was rarely, if ever, enforced, it was overturned by the Carmel City Council in an effort to remove restrictions from businesses and make the city more visitor-friendly.

No Addresses Incorporated in 1916, Carmel’s blueprint was brought to fruition by Frank Devendorf and Frank Powers, two real estate developers, who wanted to create a seaside community that was financially accessible to artists and teachers. The result was a subdivision that included small lots and buildings. Encouraging people to come together as community, even if only once a day, each residence would not receive curbside mail; instead, they would have post office boxes.

Burnett says the entire design of the town encourages on-foot exploration, from